Portable rain seat enclosure

ABSTRACT

A portable, free-standing, pop-up seat enclosure for protecting its occupant includes:  
     (a) a seat assembly including a seat back and a seat bottom;  
     (b) at least two matching, flexible, lightweight, looped frame members attached to two opposite sides of he seat assembly and extending in an upward direction from the seat bottom; and  
     (c) a flexible, water-resistant fabric sheet supported by the frame members, the frame members being attached to or inserted in the fabric sheet, the fabric sheet comprising at least two side panels, a rear panel, and a front flap. A method for folding a portable, free-standing, pop-up seat enclosure is also included herein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Technical Field

[0002] The present invention is a portable, free-standing, pop-up seatenclosure for providing the occupant privacy or protection frominclement weather or insects, which forms a carry bag when folded. Amethod for folding the enclosure is also included.

[0003] 2. Background Information

[0004] Many audience members at outdoor sporting events are disappointedwhen they are rained out of their seats. Many attendees struggle withinadequate ponchos or obtrusive umbrellas. Similarly, hordes ofmosquitoes can disrupt an outdoor sporting event, or wildlifeobservation in the woods. Some people do not like to don insect sprays,which are sometimes ineffective, nor do they enjoy insects flying intheir faces while they are attempting to concentrate.

[0005] The portable seat enclosure of the present invention offersprotection from inclement weather, such as rain showers, sun, andinsects. This flexible, free-standing rain seat includes an insidepadded seat assembly having a seat bottom and seat back; a verticallyextending rear panel attached to and extending from the seat back; avertically extending front flap sewn or otherwise attached at its upperend to the upper end of the rear panel; and two vertically extendingopposite side panels attached to the two opposite sides of the rearpanel. The front flap and rear panel are generally rectangular in shape,and the front panel extends longer than the rear panel, so that it cancover a user's legs. Each generally egg-shaped side panel is sewn at aback edge to a corresponding side edge of the rear panel, and isattached at a front edge by a two sided zipper to a corresponding sideedge of the front flap. The panels are constructed of a water-resistant,lightweight, durable material, such as nylon, plastic, mesh, or thelike. Structural integrity is provided by thin, tubular, flexible framemembers sewn onto the side seams of the side panels. The seat bottomforms the floor of the rain seat enclosure.

[0006] The present enclosure preferably includes a spring mechanism sothat the enclosure pops up like an umbrella when it is opened by a user.Several hook and loop straps are preferably used to enclose the packetwhen the enclosure is in a folded position for storage and ease oftransport. When the straps are unfastened, the user guides the unfurlingof the enclosure.

[0007] The seat enclosure of the present invention fits neatly into astructure suitable for use in a standard stadium sized seat when it isin an erect position, and the enclosure folds into a compact,lightweight carry bag configuration that is easy to carry up stadiumstairs or bleachers. As a bonus, the enclosure includes a comfortableseat cushion and a seat back, and is quite easy for a user to deploy andfold up. A flexible strap or straps are preferably provided along thefront edge of the seat bottom for carrying the enclosure when it is in afolded position. The enclosure is preferably made with at least onepanel window so that the user, as well as people sitting behind theuser, can see the game, race, parade, or other outdoor event.Ventilation is provided by a number of vents in the panels.

[0008] One, and preferably two, front zippers allow various degrees ofcoverage, according to the user's desires. When the zippers are zippedup, the front flap extends down over the legs of the user for almostcomplete coverage. The front flap of the enclosure can alternatively beflipped back over the top of the enclosure for an open front. Egress andingress is provided through the front of the enclosure.

[0009] Unlike when one must hold an umbrella, a user's hands are freewithin the enclosure to read a sports program, use binoculars, eat,drink, etc. Prior to the present invention, an outdoor sport attendeeholding an umbrella would not have both hands free. An adult can evenhold a small child on his lap within the enclosure. The enclosureoptionally includes side slots so that the user can extend his or herarms out to get a drink, for example. This enclosure provides protectionfrom wind, rain, sun, cool temperatures, insects, etc.

[0010] With camouflage material, this seat enclosure can alternativelybe used as a blind for hunting, fishing, bird watching, etc., withprotection from insects, cool temperatures, and bad weather. With meshcovering, it can be used at the beach as a sun shield, particularly fora child or older person needing greater protection from the sun. It canbe also used for camping or picnicking.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] The present invention is a portable, free-standing, pop-up seatenclosure for protecting its occupant, including:

[0012] (a) a seat assembly comprised of a seat back and a seat bottom;

[0013] (b) at least two matching, flexible, lightweight, looped framemembers attached to two opposite sides of the seat assembly andextending in an upward direction from the seat bottom; and

[0014] (c) a flexible, water-resistant fabric sheet supported by theframe members, the frame members being attached to or inserted in thefabric sheet, the fabric sheet comprising at least two side panels, arear panel, and a front flap. A method for folding a portable,free-standing, pop-up seat enclosure is also included herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] A more complete understanding of the invention and its advantageswill be apparent from the following detailed description taken inconjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein examples of theinvention are shown, and wherein:

[0016]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a rain seat enclosure according tothe present invention, shown in an erect, closed position;

[0017]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a rain seat enclosure according tothe present invention, shown in an erect, open position;

[0018]FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a skeletal rain seat enclosureaccording to the present invention.

[0019]FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a rain seat enclosure according toFIG. 2, shown in a partially folded position;

[0020]FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a rain seat enclosure according toFIG. 2, shown in a partially folded position;

[0021]FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a rain seat enclosure according toFIG. 2, shown in a further partially folded position; and

[0022]FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a rain seat enclosure according tothe present invention, shown in a storage position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0023] In the following description, like reference characters designatelike or corresponding parts throughout the several views. Also, in thefollowing description, it is to be understood that such terms as“front,” “back,” “within,” and the like are words of convenience and arenot to be construed as limiting terms. Referring in more detail to thedrawings, the invention will now be described.

[0024] Turning first to FIGS. 1 and 2, a seat enclosure according to thepresent invention, which is generally referred to as 10, includes:

[0025] (a) a seat assembly 11 comprised of a seat back 12 and a seatbottom 13;

[0026] (b) at least two matching, flexible, lightweight, looped framemembers 14 attached to two opposite sides of the seat assembly 11 andextending in an upward direction from the seat bottom; and

[0027] (c) a flexible, water-resistant fabric sheet 15 attached to andsupported by the frame members 14, the fabric sheet comprising a frontflap 16.

[0028] As shown in FIG. 1, the enclosure 10, which is intended toprotect a user against inclement weather, is a structurallyself-contained unit that pops-up into an erect position ready forimmediate use. Immediate use is desirable, so that the user does not gettoo wet when it rains, for example. One user can easily deploy theenclosure, normally within seconds. Deployment is not complicated, andthe user can be of almost any age.

[0029] As shown in FIG. 1, a user sits inside the enclosure, faceforward. With a long front flap, as shown, the enclosure covers all ofthe user except his feet. The enclosure 10 seats one or, in a pinch, twousers. For example, an adult can sit in the enclosure facing forwardwith a child on his or her lap. It can be used, for example, in astadium seat or on bleachers. The only portion of the erect enclosurethat usually contacts the stadium seat is the bottom of the seatassembly.

[0030] As shown in FIG. 3, the enclosure's skeleton is provided by thetwo matching frame members 14, which are attached to the sides of theseat assembly 11. Each frame member forms a close loop. The looped framemember 14 may be an individual thin strip which is bent into a loopconfiguration. The ends of the individual strip are fastened by a clipor other fastening means, and hidden beneath the seat cover or withinthe seam. The frame member 14 is made of a metal or plastic, forexample, that can be readily twisted or folded without breaking. Forexample, Fiberglass or graphite rods, or metal wire may be employed. Thelower rear portion of each frame member 14 passes through a front sideportion of the seat back. The frame member may either pass through areinforcement strip 17 adhered to the front seat back, as shown in FIG.3, or it may pass behind the seat back cover material. The frame membernext passes out the lower end of the reinforcement strip 17 and next tothe seat bottom 13 along its edge. The frame member may be sewn,clasped, or otherwise affixed to the seat assembly 11. Any suitablemeans of affixing the frame members to the seat assembly canalternatively be used. As shown in FIG. 3, the frame loops projectforward beyond the front edge of the seat back. The egg-shaped frameloops are designed to support the enclosure 10 around a person sittingin the seat assembly 11, without impinging on neighboring stadium seats,yet providing optimal coverage to the user.

[0031] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the seat assembly 11 is designed tofit closely in a standard sized stadium seat. The embodiment showncomprises webbed side straps 19 for further maintaining the seat back inan upright position once the enclosure has been deployed. The seatbottom 13 has a carry handle 20 attached to its front edge 18 forcarrying the enclosure once it has been folded up. At the center is afront hook and loop strip 21 for holding the enclosure in a closedposition once it has been folded up. Hook and loop strips 22 may also beprovided on top of the seat bottom 13 for attachment to correspondinghook and loop strips on the enclosure material. The seat assembly 11 ispreferably padded and made of a durable, water-resistant material whichcan be cleaned. It may alternatively be one-piece, with a seat backportion and a seat bottom portion. The seat back may be connected to theseat bottom by tubular frame segments, or other means. The seat bottomand seat back are square and are identical to one another.

[0032] As seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, the flexible fabric sheet 15 coveringthe enclosure 10 is a flexible, durable, lightweight, water-resistantfabric that blocks sunlight, such as nylon, plastic, mylar, microfiber,or the like. A polyvinyl chloride (PVC) coated nylon blend that isresistant to ultraviolet light is preferred. The outside of the fabricmay hold school or sports emblems, or advertising logos, for example.The outside of the fabric may have camouflage coloring, where the seatenclosure will be used as a blind for hunting, fishing, bird watching,etc., with protection from insects, cool temperatures, and bad weather.The fabric may be mesh or include mesh segments, where the seatenclosure will be used at the beach as a sun shield, particularly for achild or older person needing greater protection from the sun. Theenclosure can be also used for camping or picnicking.

[0033] Continuing with FIGS. 1 and 2, the fabric may be one-layer(preferred) or made of two layers, or a plurality of individual sheetslaminated together. The fabric sheet 15 preferably includes a verticallyextending rear panel 23, two opposite, matching side panels 24, and thefront flap 16. The upper end of the front flap 16 is sewn to the upperend of the rear panel 23, although they may be made of a single long,narrow, continuous piece of fabric. The lower end of the rear panel 23is sewn or otherwise fastened to the top of the seat back 12. The fabricsheet 15 can extend around over the bottom face of the seat assembly 11,if desired.

[0034] As shown in FIG. 2, one frame member 14 extends through a hemalong the edge of each side panel 24 Any other suitable means ofattachment may be used for attaching a portion of the frame members tothe side panels. The rear edges of the side panels 24 are sewn to theside edges of the rear panel 23, and the rear portion of the bottom edgeof each side panel 24 is sewn to the edge of the seat bottom 13. Thefabric sheet 15 is stretched across the two frame loops 14. The frameloops and the seat assembly 11 hold the waterproof fabric taut so thatit does not cloy around the occupant as a poncho does when it rains. Afront draped portion 25 of each side panel 24 hangs loosely down. Astrip of hook and loop 26 is attached to each front portion of the sidepanels, facing outward, for removably binding the front draped portions25 to one another behind the occupant's knees or legs once he is seatedinside the enclosure 10. The front flap and rear panel are generallyrectangular in shape, and the front flap 16 is longer than the rearpanel 23, so that it can cover a user's legs, as shown in FIG. 1. Eachside panel 24 optionally includes a side slot 27 so that the user canextend her hands or arms out to get a drink, grasp her child, hold herneighbor's hand, etc. Thus, the enclosure does not limit interactionwith others. Ventilation is provided by a number of vents (not shown) inthe panels.

[0035] As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the preferred embodiment of theenclosure 10 has at least one transparent window 28 in the front flap16, and side panels 24. The enclosure 10 may also have a window in therear panel 23, so that the user, as well as people sitting behind theuser, can see the game, race, parade, etc. The windows are positioned atthe occupant's eye level.

[0036] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the front flap 16 is coupled to theremainder of the enclosure by means of twin two-sided zippers 29 on theopposite long side edges of the front flap 16. It is also contemplatedthat other suitable means of openable closure, such as hook and loopstrips, could replace these rust-proof zippers. Once the enclosure iserected, the occupant preferably flips the front panel back over the topof the enclosure in order to enter the enclosure. The occupant can sitin the enclosure with the front flap thrown back, as shown in FIG. 2. Tofully close the enclosure 10, he pulls the front flap 16 down in frontof him and pull both zipper pulls 30 down. The zippers 29 extend from anupper portion of the front flap 16 near the adult occupant's head downto approximately the knees of the occupant. If desired, he can thenfasten corresponding hook and loop strips 31 on the lower sides of thefront flap below the zippers 29 to tighten the enclosure around him. Theoccupant in FIG. 1 is shown sitting on bleachers 32 in the enclosure 10in a fully closed position. Alternatively, the front flap 16 can berolled up and held to the inside of the enclosure by two opposite smallstraps (not shown) with hook and loop strips. This makes it easier forthe occupant to lower the flap.

[0037] Turning now to FIGS. 4 through 6, when the user is finished usingthe enclosure, he or she folds it into a storage position so that itwill pop-up when it is next deployed. A preferred method for folding theenclosure 10 for storage, where the enclosure 10 comprises a seat bottom13 connected to a seat back 12, two opposite, vertically extending sidepanels 24, and a rear panel 23 connecting the side panels 24 andattached to the seat assembly 11, includes the steps of:

[0038] (a) folding the side panels 24 in over the front of the rearpanel 23, with one side panel 24 over the other, as shown in FIG. 4;

[0039] (b) twisting the top and bottom portions 33, 34 of this foldedenclosure in opposite directions into a FIG. 8 configuration, as shownin FIG. 5;

[0040] (c) folding the top portion 33 of the folded enclosure down overthe bottom portion 34, as shown in FIG. 6, forming interleaved circularloops;

[0041] (d) closing the seat bottom 13 and seat back 12 to meet oneanother; and

[0042] (e) fastening the seat bottom 13 to the seat back 12.

[0043] In the first step, the front flap 16 folds lengthwise when theside panels are folded over one another. The zippers 29 are preferablypulled down prior to beginning this folding process. It does not matterwhether the left or right side panel 24 is folded on top. Since the seatbottom 13 is preferably not affixed to the frame members 14, the seatbottom dangles down slightly during the first few steps, which meansthat the top portion 33 can fit neatly into the seat assembly 11.

[0044] In the second step, twisting the top and bottom portions 33, 34of the folded enclosure causes the two frame loops within the enclosureto likewise form FIG. 8 configurations. The user must firmly grip thefolded enclosure 10 at this point or the side panels will spring backinto an erect position.

[0045] In the third step, the top 35 of the top portion 33 is insertedinto the juncture between the seat bottom 13 and the seat back 12. Thestep of tucking in any excess fabric optionally follows the third step.

[0046] As shown in FIG. 7, the enclosure folds into a carry bag forstorage. In the fifth step, the seat bottom 13 is preferably fastened tothe seat back 12 by means of corresponding strips of hook and loop 21along the front edges of the seat bottom and seat back. The front edge18 of the seat bottom, and the seat back, preferably hold carry straps20, so that a carry bag is formed. The carry bag can resemble abriefcase, as shown in FIG. 7, tote bag, backpack, etc. The user caneasily carry the bag, which is relatively soft and durable, by itshandles 20 to the outdoor event and can then use it as a cushion. Theuser may, for example, sit on the bag until it starts raining, oranother adverse condition is faced, such as mosquitoes, too much sun, ora chill wind. The user may then open the bag, thereby deploying theenclosure. To deploy the enclosure 10, the user simply releases thefastening strap (hook and loop strip 21) and assists the frame members14 to their erect position.

[0047] The enclosure can be used as a deer blind, an enclosure for birdwatching, etc. The enclosure can also be used just for privacy, e.g.,for breast feeding a baby, or as a wall between the user and an annoyingseat mate, or as a semi-sheltered, temporary location for one'sbelongings, particularly where the transparent windows are small orextra flaps of material are provided inside the windows to cover thewindows when desired. However, although the enclosure 10 affords somevisual concealment, it does not afford much protection against theft.

[0048] From the foregoing it can be realized that the described deviceof the present invention may be easily and conveniently utilized as aseat enclosure. It is to be understood that any dimensions given hereinare illustrative, and are not meant to be limiting.

[0049] While preferred embodiments of the invention have been describedusing specific terms, this description is for illustrative purposesonly. It will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art thatvarious modifications, substitutions, omissions, and changes may be madewithout departing from the spirit or scope of the invention, and thatsuch are intended to be within the scope of the present invention asdefined by the following claims. It is intended that the doctrine ofequivalents be relied upon to determine the fair scope of these claimsin connection with any other person's product which fall outside theliteral wording of these claims, but which in reality do not materiallydepart from this invention.

[0050] Without further analysis, the foregoing will so fully reveal thegist of the present invention that others can, by applying currentknowledge, readily adapt it for various applications without omittingfeatures that, from the standpoint of prior art, fairly constituteessential characteristics of the generic or specific aspects of thisinvention.

BRIEF LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS USED IN THE DRAWINGS

[0051] 10 seat enclosure

[0052] 11 seat assembly

[0053] 12 seat back

[0054] 13 seat bottom

[0055] 14 looped frame members

[0056] 15 flexible fabric sheet

[0057] 16 front flap

[0058] 17 reinforcement strip

[0059] 18 front edge of seat bottom

[0060] 19 webbed side strap

[0061] 20 carry handle

[0062] 21 front hook and loop strip

[0063] 22 seat hook and loop strip

[0064] 23 rearpanel

[0065] 24 side panel

[0066] 25 front portion of the side panel

[0067] 26 hook and loop strips on side panel

[0068] 27 side slot

[0069] 28 window

[0070] 29 zipper

[0071] 30 zipper pull

[0072] 31 hook and lop strip on front flap

[0073] 32 bleachers

[0074] 33 top portion o folded enclosure

[0075] 34 bottom portion of folded enclosure

[0076] 35 top of top portion

What is claimed is:
 1. A portable, free-standing, pop-up seat enclosurefor protecting its occupant, the enclosure comprising: (a) a seatassembly comprised of a seat back and a seat bottom; (b) at least twomatching, flexible, lightweight, looped frame members attached to twoopposite sides of the seat assembly and extending in an upward directionfrom the seat bottom; and (c) a flexible water-resistant fabric sheetsupported by the frame members, the frame members being attached to orinserted in the fabric sheet, the fabric sheet comprising at least twoside panels, a rear panel, and a front flap.
 2. A seat enclosureaccording to claim 1, wherein the front flap is coupled to the sidepanels by means of twin zippers on the opposite long side edges of thefront flap.
 3. A seat enclosure according to claim 2, wherein the seatbottom and seat back are square and are identical to one another.
 4. Aseat enclosure according to claim 1, wherein the fabric sheet is apolyvinyl chloride coated nylon blend fabric.
 5. A seat enclosureaccording to claim 1, wherein the frame members are Fiberglass orgraphite rods.
 6. A seat enclosure according to claim 4, wherein a frontedge of the seat bottom, and the seat back, hold carry straps.
 7. A seatenclosure according to claim 1, in the form of a carry bag fortransportation and storage.
 8. A method of folding a free standing,pop-up rain seat enclosure, the enclosure comprising seat bottomconnected at one end to a seat back, two opposite, vertically extendingside panels, and a rear panel connecting the side panels and attached tothe seat assembly, the method comprising the steps of: (a) folding theside panels in over the front of the rear panel, with one side panelover the other; (b) twisting the top and bottom portion of this foldedenclosure in opposite directions into a FIG. 8 configuration; (c)folding the top portion of the folded enclosure down over the bottomportion, forming interleaved circular loops; (d) closing the seat bottomand seat back to meet one another; and (e) fastening the seat bottom tothe seat back.
 9. A method according to claim 8, wherein step (c)further comprises tucking in extra fabric after folding the top portionover the bottom portion.
 10. A method according to claim 8, wherein theseat bottom is fastened to the seat back by means of correspondingstrips of hook and loop along the front edges of the seat bottom andseat back.